Are there any ideal years to look for as far as reliability, Ease of repair, Parts availability, Recalls ETC... when looking to purchase a GC ?

Thanks.

 

To me the 98 limited 5.9 and the 03-04 4.0 are the best.Newer ones i can't tell you never messed with them.

 

I've read many places that 96-98 are the best.
98 5.9 has been listed #1 in numerous threads like this, but it was a one year run and certain parts (trim mostly) is very difficult to find.

 

The zj are built a little better to me,The 4.0 in them is good the 5.2 just depends what trans it has they changed them almost yearly.The dana 44a came out in 96 is the better of the two the other is a dana 35.The wj the 99-01 4.0 had the cracking head on it.And the 4.7 in the wj don't like being abused they will have problems if they have been.

 

93 with 4.0 and a 5 speed, or even with the aw4 trans. all else pales, except maybe the 5.9 lol

 

A friend of mine has the 4.7 high output V8 (slightly different cam and some other things for +30 hp) and it goes super fast. I would say if you could find a WJ with that engine, the NP242-HD transfer case, and a Limited or better interior, you'd be rocking.

 

I have a 2004 WJ Overland Edition 4.7HO with every option offered by Jeep that year, it is the newest model that I would consider. After that they changed a lot of the suspension and running gear mine has the D30/D44 with Vari-Lok differentials in both and 3.73 gear.


I have owned mine now for almost 4 1/2 yrs. and other than change oil/filters and service no problems with 219,000 mi. on it and runs like a clock zero oil use between changes 6mo/6000. Yes and every option works as it should.

 

I love my 95ZJ. It has the 4.0 and NP231 transfercase. No problems other than wear and tear due to its age and 230k miles.

 

i own a 94 so of course i am going to say 94 is the best. i have the 4.0 and i LOVE it. almost more than my ole 2 door xj.

 

As a general rule, the last few years before a model change. I went for the 96-98 GC just for that reason. With the known 0331 head problems on the 99-01s, new body and such, it just made sense to stick with the model with the latest fixes, upgrades and factory changes incorporated into it.

My 2c

 

1994-1995 an 1997-1998 for ZJ's, 2000-2004 for WJ's, absolutely no WK's, and 2012-2013 WK2's. I drive a 2002 WJ Laredo. As a rule of thumb, I NEVER purchase something that has has a major change or in its first year redesign.

 

I have a 01 with 341,000 on it. What can I do to make sure the head doesn't crack? And is it good to have transmission service done if one hasn't been performed in a while?

 

What ever you're doing now is working to prevent the head from cracking. As far as the transmission goes, just do a fluid and filter change. Do not flush it.

 

Thanks Bustedback!